A tinted postcard view of a narrow lane in Ely showing stone buildings with steep roofs and a long arcade of pointed arches.

Firmary Lane, Ely (undated)

Firmary Lane, Ely

History of Firmary Lane

Stone buildings and a series of arched stone walls line a narrow lane, with parked cars and wheelie bins in the foreground.

Firmary Lane, Ely (photo DG 2022)

Then and now (David Gent) – Ely – Looking south-east along Firmary (Infirmary) Lane, south of Ely Cathedral, showing the doorway and arches of the Infirmary Chapel. Just one of the many historic buildings you come across as you wander round this beautiful city. According to the Historic England website, the building on the left was originally a Blood Letting House. It was built in the early l4th century to accommodate the monks who underwent the Ely practice of blood letting once every 6 weeks.

Take away the cars and the wheelie bins and the view hasn’t really changed much in hundreds of years.

Then and Now

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